ISELIN, NEW JERSEY (SEPTEMBER 17, 2015): TheProvident Bankhas announced the launch of Provident BFF (Becoming Financially Fit) Education Center, an adult education program powered by Everfi Financial Literacy™, on September 16. The initiative is an extension of Provident’s BFF program offered in over 30 high schools throughout New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania.

Provident BFF is an innovative, online financial tool that helps individuals further develop skill-sets to allow for successful financial management and sound decision-making.

“We know not everyone is comfortable talking about their finances and that could be for many reasons – including a lack of knowledge and understanding,”said Joseph Spatola, SVP and Community Reinvestment Act Officer, Provident Bank. “Provident BFF is about giving people access to the tools that will make them feel more comfortable, and will help them gain knowledge and understanding of financial matters that impact their daily lives and their futures.”

Provident BFF uses cutting-edge technology that incorporates video, animations, social networking – and even gaming – as part of the financial learning program.

The program involves a series of self-paced, interactive modules that cover key financial topics such as saving, investing, credit scores, mortgages, and identity protection. These models will provide an overview of subject, image library, and knowledge checks to ensure the understanding of content.

“We want people to be confident in their knowledge of mortgages and homeownership. The virtual environment eliminates obstacles of which may have otherwise prevented individuals from becoming so. You can learn more when you want – from home or wherever you can access the website – and at your own pace,” says Spatola. “Becoming Financially Fit is about making sure people know how to secure their financial future, and building knowledge and literacy around this is key to doing so.”

The Provident Bank, (www.providentnj.com) a community-oriented bank offering “Commitment you can count on” since 1839, is the wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFS), which reported assets of $8.75 billion as of June 30, 2015. With $5.8 billion in deposits, The Provident Bank provides a comprehensive suite of financial products and services through its network of branches throughout northern and central New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. The Bank also provides fiduciary and wealth management services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Beacon Trust Company.